Ever since I was little, I have known about the “battle” that is Church vs. Halloween. I remember being a part of “Harvest Parties” and dressing up like Moses or Lazarus (complete with burial bandages). I also remember enjoying trick-or-treating as a kid and coming home with my pillowcase full of candy.
In 2009, the battle wages on with churches across the country coming up with new-ideas to attempt to use the time of year as a launching pad for a church-event.
One idea that has taken off in the last few years has been the “Trunk and Treat” idea. Families decorate their vehicles and park in the church parking lot allowing kids to nab candy from the comfort of their church parking lot instead of their neighborhoods. Our church attempts a “don’t dress scary” disclaimer and this year we’re presenting the Gospel through a musical-skit before the trunk-and-treating begins.
Another idea that I just stumbled upon that Brand New Church in Arkansas manages to pull off grabbed my attention. They call it “Hallowin” and it involves a costume contest at their church on the night of Halloween and then they pass out a few hundred DVDs featuring information about their church as well as a clear Gospel message to all the families and ask them to go out Trick-or-Treating and to pass out the DVDs to the homes they visit! I love it! More about Brand New Church’s “Hallowin” here.
So, how about your church?
Stevan, I am soooo bummed that I didn’t get to hear you preach in person today as planned. I hope you will put a link to your message on here so that Dad G. and I can listen to it.
Love and Miss ya,
Mom G.